2013

Lewis ran as an Independent candidate in the 2013 special election for the U.S. House, representing Illinois' 2nd District. Lewis was defeated in the general election. The general election took place on April 9, 2013.[4][5]

Election controversy

Lewis risked his job with his election bid. Lewis is a Postal Service employee and is thus included under the Hatch Act, which forbids federal employees from running for a partisan office. Lewis could end his campaign to put a stop to any legal action being taken against him, but he has refused.[6]

Lewis has argued that the Hatch Act refers only to candidates of a political party, not independents. Additionally, he has stated that he hopes the controversy over his candidacy might get him more votes. He said, " I’m running as ‘Mr. Lewis goes to Washington,’ just like Mr. Smith went to Washington, and this shows that the people in power don’t want ordinary citizens running for office. I figure people will identify with that and vote for me."